Environmental and sportsmen's groups have pushed to fund conservation programs through legislation like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which takes money from oil and gas leasing and pumps it into public lands. Funding for that program got winged after Congress let it expire in the fall and hasn’t been reauthorized.

That’s left organizations like the American Birding Association trying to get birdwatchers to buy the stamp.

“What we’ve been trying to do is try and educate the birding community, the nature community and non-consumptive users on the benefits of the duck stamp.” said Bill Stewart, owner and operator of the Delaware-based birdwatching group Red Knot Outfitters.

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Since 1964 the Land and Water Conservation Fund has used royalties from oil and gas leasing to protect natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, as well as to provide recreation opportunities. The Fund expired at the end of September, but both the House and Senate have proposed bills to permanently reauthorize it so its future doesn't remain in jeopardy.